I don’t read much at all. Though I enjoy reading, my life is so busy I find it difficult to find the time. Over the years I have read very few books with the exception of the bible. Many of my friends can’t understand this because their perception of the bible is that it is a book of rules, of do’s and don’ts, of penalties and judgment (hell, fire and brimstone), and weeping and gnashing of teeth (as one professor recently alluded to in a Wimba session). These things are not what stand out to me. I see hope, redemption, forgiveness, compassion, love, and the fact that though I could never “measure up”, I am an “A”.
Life on the other hand can cause me to lose faith when I lose sight of the right perspective. I refer to not only spiritual faith, but faith in others…like faith in my students! When I consider my teaching career, with all its ups and downs, I can clearly see how I have allowed myself to be boxed in and consequently, have drawn boxes for my students to operate within. It reminds me of an auto commercial that came out several years ago of a young driver being instructed to “stay between the lines”. When the “lines” ran into a roadblock (traffic), the driver turned and went off road…and did just fine! I rationalize drawing boxes for the purpose of “safety”, careful to protect my students and me. Most of it is because of a few minor mistakes made when some “liberties” were taken with video projects. Reflecting on the reading and considering my classes, I see that I have become judgmental and am limiting possibilities for my students. Time to step outside some of the lines I have drawn and open my eyes to a world of possibilities for my students.
Sheryl Floyd
Chuck,
I understand what you mean about limiting our students. I feel like I have to squelch projects because they just aren't appropriate. I had to ask students the other day "How is 'What would you do for a Klondike bar?' a story?" In retrospect, it probably would have been fine and humorous. I really didn't give them a chance to show me how it could be worthy for production.
I wonder if I (or teachers in general) have been programmed to stay in the lines? I, for one, am a rule follower. I do what I am told. I follow rules. I just do what I am asked to do. But I realize I limit everything around me by creating and staying within those boundaries.
Thankfully, this EMDT program has taught me alternative ways to stimulate others and modernize my meaning of lines. I have assessed students in whole new ways. But what I need to still work on is maintaining that level of possibility day in and day out. That will probably also take more stamina!
http://web.me.com/cmills5/MAC/Blog/Entries/2010/6/2_%22Stay_Between_the_Lines%22...NOT!.html#
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Sheryl,
ReplyDeleteI am really rethinking my approach to students. The first three chapters gave some incredible insight into how we view and approach life and others. I also follow rules and have a tendency to be very stifling. Most of this is because I have been hammered for what the administration thinks is inappropriate. In retrospect, only a very small portion might be considered inappropriate!
Chuck